The center-right prime minister fell for the prank, by Catalan station Radio Flaixback, on Thursday. A radio presenter contacted Rajoy’s office, pretending to work for Puigdemont. Once the prime minister was on the line, the presenter transferred the call to a Puigdemont impersonator, who asked if the two could meet.

Rajoy said: “I can call you on Monday the 25th, and depending on how busy we are, we can set a date. My agenda is very open and we could do it 24 to 48 hours later.”

The radio presenter then broke it to the prime minister than he had been duped, saying: “We didn’t think it was going to work, we’re just as surprised as you are.”

“This is not serious,” came the reply.

The Spanish government and Catalan separatists have been at odds over the future of Catalonia. Rajoy has pledged to fight to keep Spain together while Puigdemont, who was elected as Catalan leader earlier in January, hopes for a split from Spain within 18 months.

Rajoy’s conservative Popular Party won the most seats in December elections but fell well short of a majority. Both the PP and the Socialists hope to lead a coalition government.